Rally against SRD exam cancellation

Four student unions – Rengma students’ union, Chakesang Students’ Union, Zeliangrong Students’ Union and Pochury Students’ Union – November 20 organized a peaceful public rally at their respective headquarters against cancellation of special recruitment drive (SRD) examination in the last-minute by the state government.

It may be mentioned that the four student unions had submitted a joint representation to the chief minister on October 25 seeking his intervention to resolve the issue by November 15.

At Phek town, students from various institutions, public leaders and citizens of Phek town including Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Phek Area Mothers’ Association, Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union, GBs, Phek Town Youth Society, Phek Town Chamber of Commerce, Phek Town Public welfare Committee participated at the public rally organized by Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU).

Addressing the rally, CSU president Thupukutho Lohe condemned the delayed tactics of state government in delivering justice to the weaker section amongst the Nagas.

Pointing out the stand of the deprived tribal student apex bodies to the public, CSU president declared that the union would stand firm with its demand for immediate redressal, saying “justice delayed is justice denied”.

Also, speaking at the rally, former CSU president Esther Rhakho stated the government should implement its decision in “letter and in spirit” rather than “swallowing its own decision”.

PTCSU president Zhoto Dozo appreciated the firm stance of CSU in pursuing SRD issue and assured its support to the apex student body. He also urged citizens to extend their support till justice was delivered.

Later, CSU officials along with PTCSU officials proceeded to deputy commissioner’s chamber and submitted a representation.

At Meluri town, Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) organised a public rally where altogether 500 students including public leaders and citizens of Meluri town, Pochury public forum, Pochury youth front, Pochury mothers association, senior leaders and elders participated in the rally.

In his speech, PSU president Vikoule Janry condemned the “delayed tactics” of the state government in delivering justice to the weaker communities and sought support from the public until the charter of demand was fulfilled.
The rally was followed by submission of representation by PSU officials to ADC, Meluri.

A peaceful public rally at Tseminyu town, organized by Rengma Students Union (RSU), was participated by hundreds of students and citizens.

While addressing the gathering, RSU president Ntseyhun Nsu said the union would not remain a mute spectator on the issue and demanded the state government clear its stand on whether it would implement the “one time special recruitment drive or withdraw cabinet decision”.

RSU further said cancellation of SRD exam was “total denial of right and opportunity for the less representative tribes”. At the rally, Rengma Hoho general secretary John Semy encouraged students “to go ahead” with their plea and assured it would continue to support students in its “fight for rightful cause”.

RSU also submitted a representation to ADC Tseminyu demanding the government to deliver justice at the earliest.